Reviews

Domestic violence, Power and Control, Fear and Terror it’s all here. First we must look at it from Isla’s experience who simply sought a love like no other. Dating is not easy and for Isla she tried to describe herself and her features in full detail. She had no idea the monster she would soon meet and would soon take control of her life. Isolation, depression, love bombing, manipulation it all then comes out and in full force. Sadly not many can relate because not all of us have lived this fight or flight lifestyle. For those who did, I ask you read this as it will help you understand you’re not alone. This deserves applause as Narcissistic Abuse , Domestic Violence, Abuse are not easy topics to discuss and bring attention too. Society prefers to give it a back seat to the needs it demands. Thank you to the author Lily, the publisher, NetGalley, and Aldiko for this ARC in exchange for this honest review– NetGalley Reviewer –

This one was both an easy read and a hard read. The writing style of this book was fantastic. It grabbed my attention right from the start and I was completely sucked into the story from the beginning. But it was also a hard book to read because of the subject matter and how much you are sucked into the world. Making it feel extremely realistic and that you are there watching everything unfold, and no matter how much shouting you try to do to warn the main character. It doesnt do any good because they can’t hear you. Which is all due to the phenomenonal writing skills of Lily. Such a talent. I cannot wait to read more from this author in the future.– NetGalley Reviewer –

I really enjoyed the fast pace and how easy it was to read. It was engaging and relatable. The characters were easy to follow. The cover art is very well posed and well suited yet enticing.– NetGalley Reviewer –

‘Kind’ is a convincing tale of domestic control, violence and coercive behaviour. Gripping, and written in a style that made me uncomfortable, much in keeping with the theme of the book.

I found Isla tricky to ‘get on’ with – yes I rooted for her throughout, but I feel the biggest flaw in Isla’s character is that we know little about her history, and therefore I’m not sure what drives her to meet a guy who says she ‘better respect him’ in only their second communication. I mean, talk about alarm bells!

The book was well written with characters that demanded attention. For me, though, the tale of a, ‘shy, nervous young girl meets older abusive man’ is a little overworked, and this book didn’t offer anything outside of this now standard trope. I did enjoy the final third of the book – especially the interactions with the lawyers, police and charities who support Isla through her escape, and I think these scenes show great promise for the next book. – NetGalley Reviewer –

‘In ‘Kind’ we follow a disturbing portrayal of how one woman’s search for love turns into her worst nightmare. This is a compelling story that deals with the insidious nature of domestic violence and the complex nature of abuse – serious topics that the author handles sensitively and honestly. I’m looking forward to Lily’s next book.’– Megan Lockwood-Jones, Ebook Manager at Troubadour Publishing Ltd –

‘An absolute page-turner, Lllewellyn’s novel is gripping, sincere and terrifyingly veracious; not only the plot is engrossing, but also the characters are realistically depicted.’– NetGalley Reviewer –

‘Amazing read! The author wrote a story that was interesting and moved at a pace that kept me engaged. The characters were easy to invest in.’– NetGalley Reviewer –

‘This is a scarily convincing tale of domestic violence and coercive control . Beware the charming man with a sob story – he could be a controlling narcissist and if you have a child with him you cannot escape. I will be reading Lily Llewellyn’s follow up and hoping for a happy outcome.’– Review from Troubador Website –

I enjoyed this book reading when I could.i felt real empathy with the main character,brought back some memories from long again.i like the references to the court system and the children’s acts etc.i think I would have tried to move house numerous times and maybe changed my name,but as the main character was I’ll herself this wasn’t possible.i couldn’t understand why they they believed her ex and not her.good read I was hoping he would drop down dead etc before the end of the story.good holiday read.– NetGalley Reviewer –

Those of us who lived to tell know this story -sadly- all too well. The courts are broken and attempting to be free and keep your children free from harm results in many cases women losing their children. Why? Because those they are fleeing are determined to make their lives a living hell if they leave them and certainly with child(ren). I know I too ran for my life and I too faced the same hysterics, false accusations, smear campaigns to ruin my name by the very person I was thought I loved and my husband (at that time) 0f ll yrs with three kids. In the end it’s about the kids as primary caregivers (mostly women) are often left to pick up the broken pieces from these types of toxic relationships. Where do they go from here? How can they survive? How will they thrive? This is a must read. It shows in remarkable fashion just how broken our courts are and believe me it’s not just in the UK or abroad it’s here in the good ol USA! We need to listen to women and children and help them fleeing abuse not hamper their efforts and make it worse.– NetGalley Reviewer –

I found the stats at the beginning of the book startling and deeply depressing. Possible moreso because I almost found myself in a very similar situation a short time ago. This is an important book which highlights just how badly the system is failing women whose primary concern is for the safety and well-being of their children. I’m unsure of the situation elsewhere but in Scotland new legislation is being introduced very soon which will account for the less physical aspects of domestic abuse, so there is some hope. This is a brave book and one which will undoubtedly offer comfort and support to others in similar situations.– NetGalley Reviewer –

First, I want to thank Lily Llewellyn, Madador, and NetGalley for providing me with this book so I may bring you this review.

In the Best Interest of the Child by Lilly Llewellyn is a book that will make you rethink about jumping into any serious relationship without getting to know your partner first. Your heart will be pulled into so many different directions for a few different characters and I guarantee you will loathe one too.

This book interested me right from the prologue however I was hooked by the first chapter!! Lilly really jumps into the story and brings you into it! She obviously was very passionate about the characters and the storyline as it came out in each character. However, I saw it more in Rosie and Ilsa. It was these two characters that pulled on my heart strings for so many reasons. I wanted to leap into the book and give them each a hug!

One part of the book I could relate to was when she kept having GI issues due to stress. With the amount of stress she was under I can see why she would have a flair up. I get massive migraines and stress can be a trigger. In the book there are letters back and forth from her doctors and other authority figures about this. Sadly, even little Rosie inherited her GI disease.

This book is dedicated to Lilly’s daughter who has been a light in her dark. She also wants to thank her friends and family who have helped her remain sane.– NetGalley Reviewer –

‘Absolutely fantastic book explaining and describing the implications and effects of physical, emotional and sexual abuse that can continue on from relationships, even after leaving through professionals and courts. How people (not just mums but dads also) can be controlled by using their children as pawns to exert more pain and suffering. The book describes how Iris and her daughter manage to get away from the ex partner/father abuse but actually 5 years later they are still under control by professionals and courts he has tried to command. He then applies to court to try and take away the daughter, get direct contact and completely pull apart the mother through telling lies to everyone – saying she is an alcoholic, druggie, irresponsible, making up about her daughters illnesses. The heartbreak, the worry, the long term effects for both mother and child unfolds. The story details the process of separated parent course, whereby parents are told bed wetting and distress is normal when contact occurs and they have to force their children into contact whether they want to or not. It explains what CAFCASS does, through a good worker and a bad worker, where they try and take over everything and always side with one parent. It explains the financial burden of fighting court with solicitors, barristers. Overall it shows the upset at every letter, email and even knock at the door. It really took over their whole lives and when the professionals say don’t let it… how can it not?! I really hope this is not a true story for the author but sadly know many that have gone through the same thing. A change is needed to put children first, not the abuser or the court judges or cafcass but to really listen to the children. Great book. Look forward to reading more. Will definitely recommend. Thank you Lily for writing this book.’– NetGalley Reviewer –

‘It is difficult not to feel great empathy for Isla in this book. The endless to- and fro-ing of battling with the legal system. I would like to know if this is based on a true story as it would not surprise me if it was. It wasn’t a happy read, as you can expect from the plot details. It did get repetitive in parts, but to be fair this reflects all of the legal hoops that had to be jumped through. It was at times hard to follow characters as there were many who would come and go, and it would change from referring to them by their forename or surname.’– NetGalley Reviewer –